*** Observers are welcome at US$ 300 per person per day
*** Rifle rental available at US$ 80/ hunting day (ammunition at cost)
Plains Game Available, Pay only Trophy Fee (per below schedule)
Matetsi Safari Areas are some of the most sought-after hunting blocks in Zimbabwe, and for very good reasons. The hunting concessions boast healthy populations of Lion, Elephant, Cape Buffalo and of course big Leopards, with an abundance of plains game and specialty animals. Matetsi is also well known for magnificent Sable, the “Prince of Africa”.
The Matetsi Safari area is one of the largest hunting areas in Zimbabwe, consisting of seven separate concessions, combined all covering a game hunting area of more than 1200 square miles. These hunting blocks stretch from the Hwange National Park in the south, and the Zambezi River in the north. The Matetsi River flows through the southern areas.
Total Cost of the Leopard Hunt US$ 30 965
Matetsi Unit 2 hunting concession is situated in the West of Zimbabwe and is 80,000 acres of prime unfenced true fair chase hunting.
The hunting lodge is only a 2-hour drive from the famous Victoria Falls with Botswana, Unit 1, Unit 4 and Kazuma Forest making up the boundaries of Matetsi Unit 2. Habitat on the concession varies from large open valleys, mopane woodland, river lines, natural springs, flat top hills to thick teak forests on the Gusu Ridge in the Northwest.
The Matetsi River runs through the length of the hunting concession as well as other smaller rivers and streams passing through it. The Tshabolisa, Tsankaruka and Guyu Rivers all ensure year-round water for the abundant wildlife.
Matetsi Unit 2 is worldwide known for the trophy quality of Elephant, Leopard, Cape Buffalo and big black maned Lions; it is also one of only two areas in Zimbabwe where a permit can be obtained for the hunting of a Roan antelope.
Besides Africa’s “Big five”, Matetsi has a wide variety of animals including, Giraffe, Kudu, Zebra Sable, Eland and Wildebeest to name a few. “Night Critters” include African Wild Cats, Serval’s, Genet’s and Honey Badgers. The area also has healthy populations of Spotted Hyena, with African Wild Dogs also traversing the concessions.
Matetsi Private Game Reserve in Zimbabwe is home to a diverse array of wildlife and various other animals, along with a variety of flora.
More than 350 species of birds, along with monitor Lizards, Hippo and Giant Crocodile are found in Matetsi. The Zambezi River boasts more than 700 species of freshwater fish. Hunting concessions support a wide variety of plant life, including trees such as the Albida (a favorite for Giraffe), with the Zambezi River provide unique ecosystems for a variety of fauna and flora.
Leopard hunting methods in Zimbabwe normally makes use of the baiting method. A wide variety of areas will identified across the hunting concession and will be baited, usually utilizing fresh meat from recent plains game hunts, or in some instances from fresh carcasses such as donkey’s. Areas will be thoroughly dragged using guts and stomach content, along with blood and flesh. Hunters, along with their outfitters will traverse the areas and daily check these baits for sign of Leopard activity.
Camera traps, also referred to as “trail camera’s” are made use of to capture images of the cats who have visited the bait. Only matures “Toms” may be hunted. If a leopard is identified as being suitable, temporary blinds will be constructed and the “game of patience” will begin.
Species | Trophy Fee (US$) | Species | Trophy Fee (US$) |
African Wild Cat | 300 | Baboon | 150 |
Cape Buffalo | 6500 | Bushbuck | 850 |
Civet | 300 | Common Duiker | 250 |
Livingston Eland | 3000 | Genet | 300 |
Sharpes Grysbok | 750 | Spotted Hyena | 600 |
Impala | 300 | Jackal | 350 |
Klipspringer | 1000 | Greater Kudu | 2000 |
Porcupine | 400 | Roan (permit needed) | 7000 |
Serval | 400 | Steenbok | 350 |
Warthog | 450 | Waterbuck | 2200 |
Burchell’s Zebra | 1400 |
Dean, born and bred in Zimbabwe has been hunting and offering game hunting safaris for more than twenty years, with a passion for Buffalo, Elephant, Lion and Leopard hunts.
Dean has also hunted SA, Namibia, Cameroon, Ethiopia, Benin and Mozambique adding a wealth of experience to this Elephant hunt, with many interesting stories and hunting adventures to share around the campfire. Dean’s philosophy is not about only the actual hunt, but about the experience and memories to last a lifetime. You will be in good hands on this Trophy Elephant hunt in Zimbabwe.
The hunting lodge is beautifully located on a small hill overlooking a typical Matetsi valley. The hunting lodge consists of three thatched rondavels all with bathrooms en-suite and Air Coolers. There is Wi-Fi in camp.
The lodge has 220v permanent electricity with a back up generator. A separate thatched unit includes a bar, dining area and fire pit facing to the west, giving the most incredible views of the African sunsets.
Leopard hunting safaris may be conducted all year round, but the cooler and drier months from early April to late October are preferred.
In the warmer months, insect activity increases, such as pepper ticks which can make the consequences of walking through the brush even more of a challenge. Mosquitoes and other small pests are also far more active in the warmer and wetter conditions. In high temperatures, the risk of dehydration also increases and the importance of maintaining hydration is critical.
With that being said, a Leopard hunt in Zimbabwe is a privilege anytime of the year.
There is a limit of 3 firearms a hunter may import in Zimbabwe for game hunting purposes.
Mapping out your trip to Matetsi, is a fantastic way to embark on an extraordinary hunting adventure.
For this Leopard hunt, you will need to enter Zimbabwe via Victoria Falls International Airport, one of Zimbabwe’s primary international gateways.
Depending on flight times, it may be necessary to spend a night in Johannesburg if you choose Victoria Falls via Oliver Tambo Airport. Airlink is recommended for the return flights to/from Victoria Falls, which are affordable (+- US$ 400 return), on time and serve “adult beverages”.
Airlink also have facilities in place for rifles transfers. Should accommodation be needed in Johannesburg, we would recommend African Sky Boutique Hotel situated near OR Tambo Airport. Management can arrange transfers to and from African Sky/OR Tambo and assist with any firearm permits. For further information, see our “Affiliated Services“ link below.
The road transfer from Victoria Falls International Airport takes approximately two hours.
A .375 loaded with quality ammunition is the very sensible minimum caliber.
Larger rifles such as .404, .458, .458 Lott will get the job done. Double rifles such as a .470, .500 or 600 Nitro Express are perfect for back-up shots. As a rule, hunt Leopard with a rifle that you are comfortable with and can shoot accurately.
Zimbabwe is a captivating tourist destination renowned for its beautiful natural landscapes, wildlife, rich cultural heritage and offering a vast variety of experiences ranging from wildlife safaris to exploring ancient ruins. Some of the best non-hunting activities include visits to:
Hunt trophy Leopard in the world famous Matetsi area, this is an African hunt not to be missed.
If any further information is required re this Leopard hunt in Zimbabwe, contact our team at Game Hunting Safaris, or message Dean directly using the quick links provided. Should you wish to check availability, submit your preferred dates using the “Request to Book” link and Dean or Brigitte will revert.
Please note that terms, conditions and price are subject to change without notice and rates at the time of the hunt will apply
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